This was a book that was originally published in 1924. It has since been called one of the most influential books to come out of Germany in the 20th century. In its original German the book is titled is Der Zauerberg, and many who have read The Magic Mountain Thomas Mann have been mystified by the cryptic symbolic messages therein.
This compelling story took a total of twelve years for the author to complete. During this time, he wasn't strictly working on this book, since several important events both historically and in the writer's own personal life occurred in this period of time. His wife's lung problems and her treatment in Switzerland resulted in a two-month long visit that had a large impact on the first chapter of the story.
When the First World War broke out, Mann's work on this novel was interrupted. While this terrible conflict may have delayed the completion of the book, it also had a profound impact on it and was an essential experience of the author for the book to be what it was. This war and the turmoil that followed it caused the author to reassess many of his values and rewrite much of the book.
This novel is known as a type of bildungsroman. The nature of stories like these is to focus not on the hero or heroine but rather their journey or education itself. This story of an apparently simple young man and his journey of personal growth focuses on the path he takes and the experiences associated with it, some real and some imagined.
The irony in this book serves multiple purposes, being one of Mann's favorite literary devices to use. In defining the protagonist Hans Castorp as simplistic then revealing him to be not so simple after all, the author is making a statement about the underlying complexity of all people. The ironic simplification of reality for the hero also serves as a commentary on the complexity of life itself.
Disease plays a big part in this novel, and has cryptic and layered meaning like almost everything else in the book. The author poised disease in his story so that it could symbolize a symptom of the need for spiritual growth not just of individuals but of society as a whole. His favorite theme of the polar nature of spirit and life and the need to transcend it is central to the story.
Almost anyone who reads this book will have a hard time honestly saying that he or she understood all of the symbolic ideas that are there in the story. One of the biggest challenges for readers of this story is the engaging, almost interactive nature of the narrative. The reader will have to answer certain questions posed by the narrator, and some are more subtle than others.
The Magic Mountain has now been read and reviewed by countless people, and it still eludes the comprehension of many readers. The irony that pervades the narrative, as well as the blending of realism with symbolism, result in a story that is difficult to analyze. Mann himself even recommended that the book be read twice to fully understand it.
This compelling story took a total of twelve years for the author to complete. During this time, he wasn't strictly working on this book, since several important events both historically and in the writer's own personal life occurred in this period of time. His wife's lung problems and her treatment in Switzerland resulted in a two-month long visit that had a large impact on the first chapter of the story.
When the First World War broke out, Mann's work on this novel was interrupted. While this terrible conflict may have delayed the completion of the book, it also had a profound impact on it and was an essential experience of the author for the book to be what it was. This war and the turmoil that followed it caused the author to reassess many of his values and rewrite much of the book.
This novel is known as a type of bildungsroman. The nature of stories like these is to focus not on the hero or heroine but rather their journey or education itself. This story of an apparently simple young man and his journey of personal growth focuses on the path he takes and the experiences associated with it, some real and some imagined.
The irony in this book serves multiple purposes, being one of Mann's favorite literary devices to use. In defining the protagonist Hans Castorp as simplistic then revealing him to be not so simple after all, the author is making a statement about the underlying complexity of all people. The ironic simplification of reality for the hero also serves as a commentary on the complexity of life itself.
Disease plays a big part in this novel, and has cryptic and layered meaning like almost everything else in the book. The author poised disease in his story so that it could symbolize a symptom of the need for spiritual growth not just of individuals but of society as a whole. His favorite theme of the polar nature of spirit and life and the need to transcend it is central to the story.
Almost anyone who reads this book will have a hard time honestly saying that he or she understood all of the symbolic ideas that are there in the story. One of the biggest challenges for readers of this story is the engaging, almost interactive nature of the narrative. The reader will have to answer certain questions posed by the narrator, and some are more subtle than others.
The Magic Mountain has now been read and reviewed by countless people, and it still eludes the comprehension of many readers. The irony that pervades the narrative, as well as the blending of realism with symbolism, result in a story that is difficult to analyze. Mann himself even recommended that the book be read twice to fully understand it.
About the Author:
When you are looking for the facts about The Magic Mountain Thomas Mann, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.madelienerose.com/literary-style-inspiration-the-magic-mountain now.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar